Posted December 24, 2012--10:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve is special for most kids, but for those who have a loved one in jail, it can be tough. Dane County Sheriff's deputies are trying to make it easier for kids who are visiting a parent or loved one in jail by giving them a new book and a stuffed animal.
Deputies have been running the "Books and Bears" program for 15 years. Not only does the program give kids a positive interaction with law enforcement officers, it brightens the holidays for families going through a difficult time.
Sgt. Michael Conners with the Dane County Sheriff's office says, "Coming to jail for a child, to visit their mother father or loved one can be scary. So, what we want to do is make it a more comfortable situation for them."
Brooke Johnson, a parent participating in the program, says,
"It's nice that the community does that...especially for the kids, and doesn't look at it as a negative thing coming here, but a positive."
Books that are selected always include a positive message.
The Dane County Sheriff's Office says the program wouldn't be possible without generous donations from organizations and individuals in the area.